PSI - Issue 54

Miloslav Kepka et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 54 (2024) 59–66 Miloslav Kepka et al. / Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2019) 000 – 000

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3. Examples of applications The employees of the Regional Technological Institute, which has been active in the AM market for more than 10 years in the field of research, education, and development of additively manufactured components, are well aware of the last-mentioned fact. The production of spare parts plays an important role in the portfolio of activities. 3.1. Oil vapor deaerator Within a few days, a completely new concept of the oil vapor deaerator was designed (Fig. 4). It was produced by 3D printing from 316L material, and the spare part was delivered to a nuclear power plant. At the same time, the new solution with an internal porous structure made it possible to increase the negative pressure in the cabinet, which has a positive effect on the overall service life and stability of the equipment located in the bearing rack. At the same time, the integrated drain valve enables service technicians to regularly clean the internal cavities. Thanks to this, it is possible to maintain a uniform under-pressure of the bearing stand.

Fig. 4. Oil vapor deaerator.

3.2. Gear box cover Additive technology was used for the purpose of quick servicing of gearboxes (Fig. 5), which were originally made of unsuitable material and began to deform and damage during operation. Thanks to the quick replacement and adjustment of the oil distribution system, the time needed to re-commission the system was minimized. Due to the printable size, it was an assembly of several printed parts that have locks.

Fig. 5. Gear box cover.